1. Home/
    2. Archives /
  2. Howtos

Archives For Howtos

How to Add Application Shortcut to Desktop in Ubuntu 20.04 | Ubuntu 22.04

Last updated: May 17, 2022

This simple tutorial shows how to send application shortcut icons to the desktop in Ubuntu 20.04 Gnome Shell.

Want to put working folders and common used applications on your desktop? It’s easy to do this in the default Gnome desktop via following steps.

Method 1: Copy & Paste .desktop files Manually

1. First open file browser and navigate to Other Locations > Computer > usr > share > applications. The shortcut files of most installed applications are there.

Open another new file browser window, and navigate to Desktop folder.

Now drag and drop desired applications’ .desktop files to the Desktop folder.

2. Then right-click on the desktop icons one by one and select ‘Allow Launching‘.

The icons should change, and will launch the applications once you click on them.

Method 2: Use an extension

There’s now a Gnome extension to make things easier! With it, user can simply search for an application and right-click on its icon, finally select “Add to Desktop” option to do the job.

To install the Extension in Ubuntu 22.04, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal. Then, run command to install extension manager:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-manager

Next, press Windows/Super key on keyboard and then search for and open the extension manager:

Finally, search for and install “Add to Desktop” extension under ‘Browser’ tab and enjoy!

Ubuntu 20.04 user may install the extension by visiting this gnome web page.

In Howtos
 

How to Install Kdenlive 20.04 via PPA in Ubuntu 20.04

Last updated: April 27, 2020

Kdenlive video editor 20.04 was released a few days ago. Here’s how to install it via PPA in (K)Ubuntu 20.04, (K)Ubuntu 19.10.

Kdenlive 20.04 release highlights according to the release note:

The highlights include major speed improvements due to the Preview Scaling feature, New rating, tagging sorting and filtering of clips in the Project Bin for a great logging experience, Pitch shifting is now possible when using the speed effect, Multicam editing improvements and OpenTimelineIO support. Besides all the shiny new features, this version comes with fixes for 40 critical stability issues as well as a major revamp of the user experience. Kdenlive is now more reliable than ever before.

Install Kdenlive 20.04 in Ubuntu:

The latest Kdenlive snap package, which runs in sandbox, has been made into Ubuntu Software.

Also non-install 64-bit .appimage package is available in files.kde.org.

For those prefer native .deb packages, the kdenlive team ppa has built the packages for Ubuntu 19.10, Ubuntu 20.04, and derivatives.

1.) Open ‘terminal’ from your system application menu, and run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-stable

Type your password when it asks (no asterisk feedback) and hit Enter to continue.

2. ) If an old version of kdenlive was installed, upgrade it via Update Manager:

Or simply run command in terminal to install the video editor:

sudo apt install kdenlive

NOTE for non-KDE users, Kdenlive will be installed along with a large list of KDE libraries.

Uninstall:

To purge the PPA as well as downgrade Kdenlive package, run command in terminal:

sudo apt install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-stable

To remove the PPA only, run command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-stable

And to remove Kdenlive, run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove kdenlive kdenlive-data
In Howtos
 

Enable Top Panel Dynamic Transparency in Ubuntu 20.04

Last updated: January 26, 2021

Miss Ubuntu 18.04 style dynamic top panel transparency? Here’s how to get this function in Ubuntu 20.04 gnome shell.

Although top panel transparency was removed since Gnome 3.32, you can get the feature back via ‘Dynamic Panel Transparency‘ gnome shell extension.

The extension fades your top panel to nothingness when there are no maximized windows present. With extension settings, you can also:

  • change transition speed.
  • set custom panel opacity.
  • change foreground text color.
  • per-app basis settings.

1. Open Firefox or Google Chrome and go to https://extensions.gnome.org:

Click the link text “click here to install browser extension” and follow the pop-ups to install the browser extension:

2. Then open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T and run command:

sudo apt install chrome-gnome-shell

3. Go to dynamic-panel-transparency/ page, and click the toggle to install the extension.

4. The extension is not updated for Gnome 3.36 at the moment. If you see an error, run command in terminal:

gedit ~/.local/share/gnome-shell/extensions/dynamic-panel-transparency@rockon999.github.io/intellifade.js

And in pop-up text editor, find out and change following lines:

let anchor_y = -Main.layoutManager.panelBox.get_anchor_point()[1];
let pivot_y = -Main.layoutManager.panelBox.get_pivot_point()[1];

// Adjust for bottom panel.
if (anchor_y > 0) {
this.panel_bounds.y = anchor_y;
this.panel_bounds.is_top = false;
} else if (pivot_y > 0) {
this.panel_bounds.y = pivot_y;
this.panel_bounds.is_top = false;
}

into:

let pivot_y = -Main.layoutManager.panelBox.get_pivot_point()[1];

// Adjust for bottom panel.
if (pivot_y > 0) {
this.panel_bounds.y = pivot_y;
this.panel_bounds.is_top = false;
}

Save the file. And restart Gnome Shell by pressing Alt+F2 on keyboard, typing “r” (without quotes) and hit Enter.

Finally, launch “Extensions” utility, turn on ‘Dynamic Panel Transparency’ extension and change its settings and enjoy!

In addition, you may also adjust the left dock panel opacity by running command (change 0.2 in the code):

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock background-opacity 0.2
In Howtos
 

How to Set Custom Wallpaper Slideshow in Ubuntu 20.04

Last updated: April 25, 2020

Want to create desktop wallpaper slideshow in Ubuntu 20.04 so it changes background wallpaper automatically with your photo images and given time interval?

This quick tip is going to show you how to easily setup a custom desktop slideshow without installing anything, though there are a few applications can do the job (e.g., wallch which is available in software center).

1. First open the pre-installed shotwell photo manager from system application menu.

2. Then import your photo images via menu File > Import From Folder.

3. Then you can easily set a custom desktop slideshow via:

  • choose a selection of (Ctrl+click or Shift+click) or all photos (Ctrl+A).
  • go to menu File > Set as Desktop Slideshow

4. In next pop-up, set time interval, and click OK.

The desktop slideshow starts immediately and also automatically in next boot, until you change background wallpaper via System Settings > Background.

In Howtos
 

How to Install Google Chrome in Ubuntu 20.04 via Official Repository

Last updated: April 3, 2024

This quick tutorial shows how to install the latest Google Chrome web browser, and keep it up-to-date, in Ubuntu 20.04 via the official Google repository.

Note: if you hate Linux command line, you may download and install the .deb package from Google Chrome site via a web browser.

1. Open terminal either by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard or by searching for ‘terminal’ from system application menu.

2. When terminal opens, run command to install the key:

wget -qO - https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg

Type user password (no asterisk feedback) for sudo prompts and hit Enter. The terminal should output un-readable text, since the key file is dearmored.

Then add the source repository to your system via command:

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list'

3. Refresh system package cache and install Google Chrome via commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install google-chrome-stable

If a new version is available, you’ll be able to update the browser via Software Updater (Update Manager):

Uninstall:

You can remove Google Chrome web browser for any reason by running command in terminal:

sudo apt remove google-chrome-stable

And remove the repository by going to Software & Updates -> Other Software tab.

In Howtos
 

How to Get Classic Start Menu in Ubuntu 20.04 (Ubuntu 22.04 Updated)

Last updated: April 24, 2022

Looking for a classic start menu in Ubuntu 20.04 or Ubuntu 22.04 Gnome Shell? Arc-menu is a traditional modern application menu for GNOME.

Arc-menu is a gnome shell extension replaces the top-left corner ‘Activities’ button and provides application menu that includes:

  • quick access to current user settings and user folders.
  • quick access to Software Center, System settings, Gnome Tweaks, terminal.
  • search functionality
  • Log out, lock, and power off buttons.

Install Classic Menu in Ubuntu 22.04

1.) Firstly, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal. When it opens, run command to install required library with ability to install Gnome Extension via web browser:

sudo apt install chrome-gnome-shell gnome-shell-extension-prefs

2.) Next, go to the extension web page in your browser via the link button below.

NOTE: The pre-installed Firefox is Snap that so far does not support installing Gnome Extensions. Use another browser, or install Firefox as Deb back.

Install Arc Menu

Install the browser extension (if prompted) via the link in that page, and refresh the web-page. Finally turn on the slider icon to install Arc Menu.

If successfully installed, the menu should appear immediately on the upper-left corner. To configure the its icon and menu layout, just right-click on the button and choose an option to open settings.

Or, search for and open “Gnome Extensions” app from overview screen to manage and/or remove installed extensions.

App to Manage your extensions

Install the Classic Menu in Ubuntu 20.04:

1. To install Arc-menu Gnome Shell extension:

Simply open terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard. When it opens, run command:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-arc-menu

Type user password when it prompts, no asterisk feedback, and hit Enter.

2. Enable / Disable Arc-menu:

Once installed the Gnome Shell extension, you can turn on / off the application menu easily via Gnome Extensions app.

If you don’t already have the tool, install it via command:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-prefs

Then, search for and open ‘Gnome Extensions’ app in Activities overview screen. And turn on the toggle icon to enable the menu:

Don’t see ‘Arc Menu’ in settings? Restart Gnome by log out and back in (or press Alt+F2, type y and hit Enter).

3. Change Menu icon, appearance, etc.

Right click on the menu icon and select ‘Arc Menu Settings’. Then you change menu location, hotkey, menu icon, and more in popup settings dialog.

That’s it. Enjoy!

In Howtos
 

How to Install The Latest Bluefish Editor 2.2.11 in Ubuntu 18.04

Last updated: April 19, 2020

This simple tutorial shows how to install the latest Bluefish editor 2.2.11 in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.10, and derivatives.

Bluefish editor 2.2.11 is a maintenance release that features Python 3 compatibility. Other changes include:

  • Improved double-click selection.
  • Fill a line with spaces up to a mouse click.
  • Search and replace ignores backup files by default.
  • Insert output from an external command
  • Search in files in the file-browser.
  • Select current identifier via shift+ctrl+i
  • Printing improvements, translation updates, and many bug-fixes.

While the new release package is already made into Ubuntu 20.04 universe repository, the PPA repository contains the latest packages for all current Ubuntu releases.

1. Open terminal either by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard or by searching for ‘terminal’ from ‘Show Applications’ menu.

When terminal opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:klaus-vormweg/bluefish

Type user password when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

2. Then run commands to check updates and install the programmers editor:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install bluefish

Or launch and update your old software package via Software Updater utility.

Uninstall:

You may remove the PPA repository either via Software & Updates utility under Other Software tab, or by running command in terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:klaus-vormweg/bluefish

And remove Bluefish programmers editor if you want via command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove bluefish
In Howtos ,
 

Audacious Audio Player 4.0.2 Released with Qt UI Fixes [Ubuntu PPA]

Last updated: April 16, 2020

The second bug-fix release for Audacious 4.0 was released a day ago. Here’s how to install it in all current Ubuntu releases.

While the first bug-fix release brings KDE Plasma 5.18 compatibility, Audacious audio player 4.0.2 includes mainly bug fixes and tweaks for the Qt interface:

  • Fixed a regression where the Enter key did not work in the playlist.
  • Fixed the seek bar changing width as the time counter increments.
  • Fixed the title bar getting stuck showing “Buffering”.
  • Added a workaround to ensure that the toolbar is not hidden on startup.
  • Fixed the Composer field not being saved when updating ID3v2 tags.

How to Install Audacious 4.0.2 in Ubuntu:

The unofficial PPA contains the latest packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.10, and Ubuntu 20.04.

1. Open terminal by either pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard or searching for ‘terminal’ from application menu. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

Type your password (no asterisk feedback) when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

2. Then run commands one by one in terminal to install or upgrade the audio player:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install audacious audacious-plugins

Uninstall:

The PPA repository also contains some other applications. You may remove the PPA either by going to Software & Updates utility -> Other Software tab, or by running command in terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

To remove audacious, either use your system package manager or run command:

sudo apt remove --autoremove audacious audacious-plugins
In Howtos, News
 

[Quick Tip] Add ‘Open as Administrator’ in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

Last updated: April 13, 2020

This simple tutorial shows how to add ‘Open as Administrator‘ option to file browser right-click menu in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.

Need to open or edit files with Administrator (root) user privilege directly from file browser in Ubuntu desktop? There’s an extension nautilus-admin can do the job in the default Gnome desktop.

1. Open terminal by either pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard or searching for ‘terminal’ from application menu.

2. When terminal opens, run command to install the extension:

sudo apt install nautilus-admin

You may replace nautilus-admin with caja-admin or peony-admin if you’re running with MATE or UKUI desktop.

Once installed, run command nautilus -q or log out and back in to apply changes.

Note the extension only adds Administrator privilege to open folders or edit files. There’s no ‘Run as Administrator’ option to run program as super user privilege.

In Howtos
 

How to Change Default OS Entry in Ubuntu 20.04 Dual-Boot

Last updated: April 12, 2020

Dual-boot or multi-boot Ubuntu 20.04 with other operating systems? This tutorial will show beginners how to change the default OS entry in Ubuntu 20.04 desktop.

This is a graphical tool to configure the default Grub boot-loader in Ubuntu. It’s Grub Customizer, and available in Ubuntu universe repositories for Ubuntu 19.04 and higher.

1. Either install Grub Customizer via Ubuntu Software, or open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and install the tool by running command:

sudo apt install grub-customizer

2. Then search for and launch the tool from application menu.

3. When Grub Customizer opens, do:

  • navigate to General settings tab.
  • Select an OS entry as default from the drop-down box after ‘predefined’
  • You may also change other settings: menu timeout, kernel parameters, font, background image, etc.
  • Finally click the Save button to apply changes.

That’s it. Enjoy!

In Howtos